Steve Jobs: 1955 - 2011

Apple co-founder, chairman and former chief executive Steve Jobsdied Oct. 5. He was 56. Although a cause of death had not been released initially, Jobs had been battling a rare form of pancreatic cancer. In 2009, Jobs had a liver transplant which forced him to take a six-month leave from his duties at Apple. The Apple chairman stepped down as chief executive at Apple in August, stating that he wasn’t able to fulfill his duties.

Jobs’ influence on technology was immeasurable, starting with the launch of Apple in 1977. And it obviously didn’t stop there: Jobs had a huge hand in innovative products like the iPhone, the iPad and the product that changed the way we listen to music: the iPod. But his impact speaks for himself, with Bill Gates, President Obama and Disney’s CEO promptly responding to the news.

In a statement, Apple confirmed the death, writing: “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”

Team,
I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Tim

His family later released a statement, writing “Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family. In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories. We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.”

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, also released a statement about Jobs, who was also a former Pixar chief. The CEO said: Steve Jobswas a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined.”

Apple changed its homepage to a tribute to Jobs, which can be seen here. The website also adds that memories and condolences can be shared at rememberingsteve@apple.com.